Search

West Side Raid Nets Heroin Suspects

Buffalo Police Narcotics Squad detectives once again teamed up the the New York State Attorney General's Organized Crime Task Force, executing a search warrant on the city's west side this past Saturday. Police found 46 bags of heroin in a Prospect Avenue house and arrested Frank Matias, Sonia Matias and Nicole John possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, a felony. All three were additionally charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. "It is my understanding that some of the heroin was found in a baby doll's head, apparently to prevent detection," said chief of detectives Dennis J. Richards.

Frank Matias was arrested as recently as October 27th, for felony charges related to unlawful possession of marihuana and cocaine.

Another raid took place in the 900 block of West Avenue, where Luis Santiago was charged with felony narcotics charges. Police found a camera on the porch of that address, which could be used to monitor activity on the outside.

"These arrests are indicative of the continuing, relentless efforts of this administration, to rid the streets of illegal drugs," said Richards, who reported 986 search warrants have been executed so far, this year by city police. "We will continue to work with federal, state and other local agencies to combat illegal activity and remove the criminal element from our streets."

The raids were conducted under the supervision of Sr. Investigator Michael R. McParlane of the state attorney general's office and narcotics Lieutenant Thomas Lyon.